Name: Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into thin strips; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced; 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon honey (or brown sugar); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); ¼ cup chicken broth or water; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce); 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups water; ½ teaspoon salt

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Are you craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? Look no further than this Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice! This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with crisp bell peppers and a bold garlic-infused sauce, all served over fluffy steamed rice. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir-fry offers a balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. So, let’s get into the kitchen and start cooking!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stir-Fry:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey (or brown sugar)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
¼ cup chicken broth or water
1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)

For the Steamed Rice:

1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups water
½ teaspoon salt

A sizzling garlic chicken stir-fry with colorful bell peppers served over steamed rice in a bowl, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

First, place the chicken strips in a bowl and season them with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Mix well to coat each piece evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This step helps lock in moisture and creates a silky texture when stir-fried.

2. Cook the Rice

While the chicken marinates, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

Next, in a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and salt, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

3. Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, red pepper flakes (if using), chicken broth, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth. This sauce brings a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.

4. Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side without stirring, allowing the edges to sear. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Next, add the garlic, ginger, and green onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

6. Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the stir-fry sauce, stirring quickly to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

7. Serve & Garnish

Spoon the steamed jasmine rice onto plates or bowls. Top with the sizzling garlic chicken stir-fry. Garnish with extra green onions and, if you like, a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy immediately!

Helpful Tips for Making the Perfect Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

Making a delicious stir-fry is all about technique. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice turns out perfect every time!

1. Choose the Right Chicken Cut

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them a great choice.
Chicken thighs have more fat, which adds extra juiciness and flavor.

2. Slice Chicken Evenly

Cutting the chicken into thin, uniform strips helps it cook evenly and quickly.
Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

3. Marinate for Flavor & Tenderness

A short 10-15 minute marinade with soy sauce and cornstarch gives the chicken extra moisture and a silky texture.

4. Prep All Ingredients Before Cooking

Stir-frying happens fast! Have everything chopped and ready before you turn on the stove.

5. Use High Heat for Stir-Frying

A hot pan creates the best texture and prevents soggy vegetables.
If your pan isn’t hot enough, the chicken will release water and steam instead of searing.

6. Cook the Chicken in Batches

Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if necessary to get that perfect sear.

7. Stir-Fry Vegetables Quickly

Cook bell peppers for just 2 minutes to keep them crisp and vibrant.
Garlic and ginger should be stir-fried for only 30 seconds to avoid burning.

8. Add Sauce at the End

Pour the sauce in last, just before finishing the dish. Let it bubble and thicken for a rich, glossy coating.

9. Let the Rice Rest After Cooking

Once the rice is done, let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing. This helps it absorb any remaining steam.

Variations

Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.

Conservation & Storage

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! This dish stores well for later.

Refrigeration:

Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

Cool completely before freezing. Store in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a pan over medium heat.

Reheating:

In a pan: Reheat on medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
In the microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty on its own, but you can elevate it with sides:

Asian-style slaw with a light sesame dressing
Spring rolls for a crunchy appetizer
Miso soup for a warm, umami-rich starter
Chili garlic sauce or Sriracha on the side for extra spice

For a complete meal, pair with iced green tea or a refreshing cucumber lemonade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes! If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before cooking. Otherwise, excess water can prevent proper searing.

2. What’s the best substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use:

Soy sauce + a dash of sugar
Hoisin sauce
Mushroom sauce (for a vegetarian option)

3. Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! To increase the heat, try:

Adding extra red pepper flakes
Stirring in Sriracha or chili paste
Using spicy chili oil as a finishing touch

4. What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with:

Arrowroot powder
Tapioca starch
All-purpose flour (though it may slightly change the texture)

5. Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?

Yes! The stir-fry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water.

6. What vegetables go well in this stir-fry?

Besides bell peppers, you can add:

Broccoli
Carrots
Snap peas
Mushrooms
Zucchini

7. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms. Use a vegetarian oyster sauce or extra soy sauce for the sauce.

8. How can I make this a low-carb meal?

Instead of steamed rice, serve this stir-fry with:

Cauliflower rice
Zucchini noodles
Shirataki noodles

9. Can I freeze this stir-fry?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

10. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

In the microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

On the stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water.

Conclusion

Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice is a fantastic dish that brings bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and an easy cooking method together. The balance of tender chicken, crunchy peppers, and a rich garlicky sauce makes this a go-to meal for any occasion.

Plus, it’s versatile and customizable—switch up the protein, add different vegetables, or adjust the spice level to match your taste. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this stir-fry is sure to impress.

Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice

Author: havan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Are you craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? Look no further than this Sizzling Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers & Steamed Rice! This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with crisp bell peppers and a bold garlic-infused sauce, all served over fluffy steamed rice. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir-fry offers a balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. So, let’s get into the kitchen and start cooking!